Device providing privacy and shade for a display

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a device that provides privacy to a display. The invention works in conjunction with devices that are capable of being used in public. The display is typically part of an electronic apparatus, such as a laptop computer, portable DVD player, gaming machine and the like. The invention device comprises at least a top panel and two side panels. The invention device also comprises a gap bridging means, which can be embodied in a variety of structures. The gap bridging means bridges any gap formed between one or both side panels and the top panel resulting from the lateral or horizontal adjustment of these panels.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/689,625, filed Jun. 10, 2005, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of accessories for variousdisplays. These displays are part of a computer, and more commonly arepart of lap top computer. These displays are also part of other devices,such as portable DVD players, portable gaming machines and other devicesemploying a flat panel display. Specifically, the invention is a noveldevice that attaches to these displays to provide privacy and shade.

BACKGROUND

There are a variety of electronic devices having flat panel displaysthat are intended as portable devices for use in public. One of the morecommon of these types of devices is the laptop computer; however, thereare a variety of other devices including the portable DVD player andportable gaming machines like the PSP Playstation by Sony ComputerEntertainment, Inc. and the DS and Gameboy by Nintendo of America, Inc.The laptop computer monitor typically measures about one inch thick,though this dimension is getting smaller as technology advances.Further, technical advances in flat panel display technology aredramatically improving screen resolution.

Older displays were best viewed when the user's line of sight wasperpendicular to the plane of the display. As the sight angle varied,the display content became more difficult to view, and was virtuallyun-viewable from the more acute angles. In a sense, poor viewabilityfrom the non-perpendicular angles offered some level of privacy of thedisplay content. However, this type privacy is neither complete norassured. And, as display resolution technology improves displaysbecoming more viewable from side angles.

The use of electronic devices having displays, particularly laptopcomputers, has increased dramatically as these devices become moreportable, versatile, and simultaneously more powerful. Computer usersare now inclined to use their computers in places previously notpossible before the prevalence of laptop computers. In addition, highlyconfidential information is often stored on the computer. Laptopcomputers are now being utilized in places such as in automobiles,planes, coffee shops, or public libraries. These places provide moreflexibility for users to have access to a computer. However, thesurrounding environment may not always provide a suitable work area. Forinstance, a computer user may wish to work outside to enjoy pleasantweather, but direct sunlight to the screen or glare from the sun makesviewing the LCD difficult.

When computers are used in public places, the user is also at risk ofothers reading the material displayed on the screen. As display screensfor portable computers become larger and larger, it becomes even moredifficult to maintain privacy surrounding the information display on thescreen from other individuals nearby. Particularly, passenger seats onairplanes or trains are typically in close proximity to one another.During business travel or commuting, computers are often used intransit. Passengers seated adjacent to the computer user can easily readthe display screen, thereby jeopardizing privacy to the computer user.Since highly confidential information may be on the computer screen,this is problematic for the computer user.

Additionally, public transportation, as well as private transportation,can involve computers being exposed to sunlight which may affect thecomputer users ability to view the display. Although airplanes areequipped with shades near each passenger's window, one passenger doesnot have control over whether other passengers close their windowshades. Other methods of transportation such as commuter trains do notnormally provide shades from the sunlight. Thus, the sunlight can causesignificant glare from the computer screen, making it difficult for theuser to see the Display.

One approach addressing the above problems is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,400,903, issued to David M. Cooley on Mar. 28, 1995. The patentdescribes a notebook computer carrying case that includes a top cover, abottom cover, and an accordion-like shroud connecting the sides of thetop and bottom covers.

The above approach, while solving some problems, creates additional onesand yet leaves other problems unaddressed. For instance, since computersor other electronic devices become smaller and smaller, carrying casesare becoming obsolete. Many computer users slip these componentsdirectly in to their briefcase, their purse, or their carry-on luggage.The protective carrying cases are often left behind in the office or thehome while the user is traveling. Additionally, carrying cases are largeand bulky. Travelers typically minimize the amount of separate itemswhich need to be individually carried. The protective shroud connectedto the case is not adjustable lateral to the plane of the keyboard. Theconfiguration of this invention makes typing difficult because theuser's arms cannot extend out sideways from the keyboard. Thisdifficulty is exaggerated when the top shield is used, therebyrestricting horizontal movement of the hands.

A similar device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,877,896, issued toRonald Dean Gremban. The Gremban device is again a brief case thatunfolds to provide a space having sides, bottom, top and back members,and thus making a cavern-like structure in which to place the laptopcomputer. The sides and top members are adjustable laterally andhorizontally, respectively; however, this adjustment is limited in thatthe respective members must connect together. The patent discloses thatthe side members of the invention connect with the top member of theinvention, so movement of the side members lateral to the plane of thekeyboard is restricted because the side and top members would no longerconnect. Again, the user's arms are restricted from extending outlaterally beyond the keyboard—an unnatural typing position.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,046,754, issued to James B. Staneck discloses a laptopcomputer having side and top panels built into the display portion ofthe computer. In one embodiment, the patent describes these rigid panelsas having a friction hinge allowing the side panels to adjust lateral tothe plane of the keyboard and allowing the top panel to adjusthorizontally to the same. The panels are retractable within the displayhousing. Thus, the display housing is made larger to accommodate thepanels. This is undesirable because the trend for laptop computers is tomake them as small as possible. Additionally, the size and shape of thepanels are restricted to what will fit within the panel housing, soversatility of the panels is lost. There is also the problem with fullprivacy and/or shading when the panels are adjusted. As the side panelsare adjusted laterally along the keyboard plane they will move away fromthe top panel. At the point where the side panels do not contact the toppanel, a gap is then formed and privacy and shading are compromised.

While all of the aforementioned prior art constructions meet some needswithin the art for which they have been specifically designed, they areuniformly deficient with respect to their failure to provide completeprivacy and shading, while at the same time providing versatility withthe shading device to allow for comfortable use of the display devicebeing protected.

As a consequence, there is a need for a new and improved privacy andshading partition used with a display and the provision of such aconstruction is a stated objective of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a device thatprovides privacy to a display. The invention works in conjunction withdevices that are capable of being used in public. The display istypically part of an electronic apparatus, such as a laptop computer,portable DVD player, gaming machine and the like. The invention devicecomprises at least a top panel and two side panels. The invention devicealso comprises a gap bridging means, which can be embodied in a varietyof structures. The gap bridging means bridges any gap formed between oneor both side panels and the top panel resulting from the lateral orhorizontal adjustment of these panels.

The invention device attaches to an electronic apparatus proximate theelectronic apparatus' display so that the device can be used to provideprivacy with respect to display content. The attachment can be eitherpermanent attachment or removable attachment. The invention device, whenattached, places the side panels at the side of the display and the toppanel at the top of the display. In one embodiment, the side panelscomprise a friction hinge, which is preferably located on the edge ofthe side panel contacting the display. In an alternative embodiment, theside panels comprise a friction hinge, which does not contact the sideof the display, but is rather moved further into the body of the sidepanel. In a further embodiment, the top panel, too, comprises a frictionhinge, and that friction hinge is preferably located on the edge of thetop panel that contacts the display.

The invention device provides shading of the display in addition toproviding privacy.

There is also provided a method of using a device to provide privacy fora display screen, and provide versatility and comfort for the user ofthe device. The method employs a device of the current invention. Thereis further provided a method of using a device to provide shading for adisplay screen. The method employs a device of the current invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is an illustration of a typical laptop computer.

FIG. 1 b depicts the horizontal plane and the lateral plane as used forreference when discussing adjustable positioning of the invention. Theplanes are referenced using arrows and are shown proximate a laptopcomputer to further illustrate the planes in relation to the laptop.

FIG. 1 c illustrates a typical portable DVD player.

FIG. 1 d illustrates a typical gaming machine.

FIG. 1 e illustrates a typical cellular phone.

FIG. 2 a illustrates the invention privacy device attached to a laptopcomputer and having the side panels and top panel positioned to provideprivacy.

FIG. 2 b illustrates the attachment of the privacy device to the back ofa laptop's display housing. In this illustration, the attachment memberhas a border configuration.

FIG. 2 c illustrates the front of a display housing for a laptop and theattachment of the attachment member of the privacy device to the frontof the display housing. It is illustrated in these FIGS. that theattachment member fits onto the border of the display housing withoutcovering the display.

FIG. 2 d illustrates the attachment of the privacy device to the back ofa laptop's display housing. In this illustration, the attachment memberhas a square configuration

FIG. 3 a illustrates the invention privacy device splayed open.

FIG. 3 b illustrates the invention privacy device going from beingsplayed open to being packaged for non-use by rotation about the pivotpoints.

FIG. 4 a illustrates the invention device when in use, but having anarrow work space.

FIG. 4 b illustrates the invention device when in use and having a widerwork space, but having gaps that compromise privacy and shading.

FIG. 5 a illustrates the bridging of the gaps formed by adjustment ofthe panels.

FIG. 5 b is a close-up view of the gap formed between the right sidepanel and the top side panel and also illustrates a retractable panelused to bridge that gap.

FIG. 5 c is a close-up view of the gap formed between the right sidepanel and the top side panel and also illustrates a hinged panel used tobridge that gap.

FIG. 5 d is a close-up view of the gap formed between the right sidepanel and the top side panel and also illustrates an accordion-likestructure used to bridge that gap.

FIG. 6 a is a cross-sectional view of a panel from the current inventionprivacy device highlighting one embodiment for making the panelsadjustable.

FIG. 6 b illustrates the invention privacy device splayed open and showsadjustable means on the right side, left side and top side panels, aswell as on part of the attachment member.

FIG. 7 a shows the invention device splayed open and having a hingewithin the body of the left side and right side panel.

FIG. 7 b and FIG. 7 c, are both views looking down on the keyboardmember of a laptop. These views both have the invention privacy deviceattached. The view is a cross-sectional view of the display housing sothat the top panel could be removed form obstructing the illustration.In FIG. 7 b, the hinges are within the body of left side and right sidepanels. In FIG. 7 c, the hinges are within the pivot points connectingthe left side and right side panels to the attachment member.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b are views of an alternative embodiment of theinvention privacy device wherein the side panels are attached to the toppanels. FIG. 8 a illustrates this type of panel attachment. FIG. 8 billustrates one advantage of this type of attachment with respect tohaving panels with adjustable sizing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention canbe practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. Itis understood by these same artisans that other embodiments can beutilized and that structural changes can be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the current invention. Thus, the followingdetailed description is not meant to limit the breadth of the invention,which is defined by the appended claims.

Numbering Reference List.

2. Electronic Apparatus.

4. Display.

6. Display Housing.

8. Keyboard.

10. Lateral Plane Arrow.

12. Horizontal Plane Arrow.

100. Privacy Device.

102. Right Side Panel.

104. Top Side Panel.

106. Left Side Panel.

108. Attachment Member.

200. Pivot Point for Right Side Panel.

202. Pivot Point for Top Side Panel.

204. Pivot Point for Left Side Panel.

206. Pivot Point for Right Side Panel at Top Panel.

208. Pivot Point for Left Side Panel at Top Panel.

300. Right Side-Top Side Junction.

302. Left Side-Top Side Junction.

304. Right Side-Top Side Gap.

306. Left Side-Top Side Gap.

400. Right Side-Top Side Gap Bridging Means.

402. Left Side-Top Side Gap Bridging Means.

410. Retraction Housing.

412. Retracting Panel.

414. Latch Means.

500. Bridging Panel.

502. Hinge.

600. Accordion-Like Structure.

700. Adjustable Length Panel.

702. First Segment

704. Second Segment.

706. Third Segment.

708. Interior of First Segment.

710. Interior of Third Segment.

712. First Segment Stopping Means.

714. Second Segment Stopping Means.

716. Third Segment Stopping Means.

718. Second Segment Stopping Means.

800. Extension Means.

900. Right Side Panel Hinge.

902. Left Side Panel Hinge.

1000. Left Panel Segment Joint.

1002. Top Panel Segment Joint.

1004. Right Panels Segment Joint.

1006. Central Slide Rod.

As used herein, the term “privacy” means preventing or reducing unwantedviewing of the display, and also means preventing unwanted light fromshining on the display. Thus, “privacy” refers to privacy, shading,privacy and shading, or generally reducing access to the display.

FIG. 1 a is an illustration of a laptop computer without the inventiondevice attached. This illustration provides terms, with reference to thecomputer, that will be used in this disclosure. The terms are providedhere for clarity. The electronic apparatus 2 is a laptop comprising adisplay 4 embedded within a display housing 6 and a keyboard 8. Forsimplicity, the keyboard 8 refers to the actual keyboard and the housingforming the base of the laptop. The display 4 is discussed separatelyfrom the display housing 6 because there will be times when thediscussion is directed to the housing (e.g., attachment of the device tothe housing) and time when the discussion is directed to the displayscreen (e.g., content being protected/shaded by the invention device).

Seen in FIG. 1 b are two sets of arrows representing a lateral plane anda horizontal plane. The lateral plane arrows 10 are used to refer to thedimensions lateral to the plane of keyboard 8, and the horizontal planearrows 12 are used to refer to the dimensions horizontal to the plane ofthe keyboard 8. Mostly, these dimensions will be used to describemovement of the panels comprising the invention device relative to theelectronic apparatus having a privacy device.

While a laptop is being shown as the electronic apparatus used with theinvention device, other electronic apparatus can be used as well.Mentioned above, these other electronic apparatus include, for example,portable DVD players and gaming machines. The portable DVD player istypically configured similar to the laptop, having a base member and adisplay screen member. These two members are typically pivotable about acommon axis, and are generally in an L-shape when in use and needingprivacy/shading. Other electronic apparatus, such as the gaming machine,are substantially flat, having a single housing with a display embeddedin one area of the housing, and the control keys or knobs in a separatearea of this same housing. Modern “all-in-one” telephones, also, have ameans for entering data and a means for viewing data all embedded withina substantially flat housing arrangement. For these electronicapparatus, the horizontal arrow is in the plane of the substantiallyflat housing arrangement, while the lateral arrow is in the planeperpendicular this horizontal plane. These other devices are illustratedin FIGS. 1 c, 1 d and 1 e.

During use, a laptop user has the display housing 6 of the laptop 2 in agenerally upright position compared to the keyboard 8, as shown in FIGS.1 a and 1 b. The display 4 is embedded within the display housing 6, andis viewable from positions directly in front of the display 4, as wellas positions at angles left, right and above the display 4. The display4 is viewable from a position above the display, such as viewing ascreen from above a user's shoulder. Alternatively, the display 4 couldbe viewed from a position to the side of a computer user, such as by aperson seated next to the computer user. Laptop computers are a commonproduct, and a person of ordinary skill in the art is well aware of howa laptop is configured when in use. It is also clear to one of ordinaryskill in the art how the content on the display of a laptop can beviewed by others. The present invention provides for protection to thedisplay 4 and limits the viewability from angles other than the user'spreferred position.

FIG. 2 a shows laptop 2 having attached the invention privacy device100. Privacy device 100 comprises right side panel 102, top side panel104, left side panel 106 and attachment member 108 (shown in FIG. 2 b).The right side panel 102, top side panel 104, left side panel 106 arecollectively referred to as adjustable privacy panels. FIG. 2 b, is aview of the display housing 6 on the side opposite display 4, e.g., theback side. In the preferred embodiment, the privacy device 100 has anattachment member 108 that attaches to display housing 6 similar to aborder. It is preferred that the attachment is removable; however,permanent attachment is also an option for attaching privacy device 100to the display housing 6. If the attachment of attachment member 108 todisplay housing 6 is a removable attachment, then a variety of wellknown attachment means can be employed. Hook and loop is a simpleremovable attachment means that can be used. Basically, either the hookor the loop component is attached to the display housing 6, and thecomplementary component is attached to the attachment member 108. Theattachment member 108 is then removably attached to the display housing6 using hook and loop. Adhesives are also useful for attaching theattachment member 108 to the display housing 6. Depending on the bondingstrength of this adhesive, the attachment of the attachment member 108to the display housing 6 is either removable or permanent. Theattachment of the attachment member 108 to the display housing 6 will bereadily accomplished by one of ordinary skill in the art.

When the attachment member 108 is configured like a border, as describeddirectly above, the attachment member 108 can be attached to the frontside of display housing 6. This configuration is shown in FIG. 2 c. Mostlaptop display housings have a border made of the same material as thehousing surrounding the actual display. So, in this alternativeembodiment, the attachment member 108 can be attached, eitherpermanently or removably, to this border region on the display housing6. It is preferred that the dimensions of the attachment member 108 areequal to or less than the dimensions of the display housing 6 border soas to not obstruct the screen from the user's view.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 2 d, the attachment member108 is a solid panel that is substantially the same size as the back ofdisplay housing 6, and as such, substantially covers the back side ofdisplay housing 6. The privacy device 100 is shown detached from anyelectronic apparatus. Attachment of attachment member 108 to the back ofdisplay housing 6 can be either permanent or removable.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the privacy device 100 is shown, and in thisview the right and left side panels 102 and 106 as well as the top sidepanel 104 are shown in a splayed open configuration. Right side panel102, top side panel 104 and left side panel 106 are attached to theattachment member 108 at pivot points 200, 202 and 204, respectively. Inthe preferred embodiment, attachment at these pivot point is viafriction hinges. Friction hinges are preferred because these hingesallow for adjustment of the sides 102, 104 and 106 relative to theattachment member 108 along the pivot points 200, 202 and 204, and theseadjusted positions will be held in place by the friction hinge. Frictionhinges are well know in the art, as are a variety of other pivot meansthat can be used at pivot points 200, 202 and 204.

When the privacy device 100 is not in use, the sides 102, 104 and 106are folded in on the attachment member 108, thereby being out of theway. This configuration is shown in FIG. 3 b. Basically, each of theleft side panel 106, right side panel 102 and top panel 104 are pivotedfully around their respective pivot points, 204, 200 and 202, until thepanels are flush with the attachment member 108/display housing 6. Forexample, left side panel 106 is first fully rotated about pivot point204 until the body of left panel 106 is in complete contact with theattachment member 108/display housing 6. Next, the top side panel 104 issimilarly pivoted about pivot point 202 until the body of left sidepanel 106 is in complete contact with the body of previously pivotedleft side panel 106. Finally, right side panel 102 pivots about pivotpoint 200 fully contacting the previously pivoted top side panel 104.

In FIG. 4 a, the privacy device 100 is shown attached to a laptopcomputer and having the right side, top side and left side panels 102,104 and 106 employed to provide privacy. In this example configuration,the right side panel 102 is pivoted around the pivot point 200 (notshown) until the right side panel 102 is substantially perpendicular tothe horizontal plane of the display housing 6. Right side panel 102 isheld in place using a friction hinge at pivot point 200. Similarly, leftside panel 106 is pivoted around the pivot point 204 until the left sidepanel 106 is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane of thedisplay housing 6. Left side panel 106 is held in place using a frictionhinge at pivot point 204. Top side panel 104 is pivoted around pivotpoint 202 until the top side panel is substantially perpendicular to thehorizontal plane of the display housing 6. Once in this configuration,these left side, right side and top side panels are also in contact witheach other, forming a right angle at the right side-top side junction300 and at the left side-top side junction 302. In this configuration,there is provided a narrow work area into which the user inserts his orher arms to type on the keyboard. However, this configuration may beuncomfortable for the user, who will have to position his or herforearms more closely together in order to reach within the caverncreated by the privacy device 100. Thus it is desirable that the leftside panel and right side panel of the privacy device are adjustableabout the lateral plane. Also in this configuration, the user's line ofsight to the display 4 is obstructed because of the low positioning oftop panel 104. In order to fully view the display 104 when the privacydevice 100 is in this configuration, the user will have to angle theelectronic apparatus 2 up towards his or her face. This is awkward. So,it is also desirable that the top side panel is adjustable about thehorizontal plane.

In the preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 4 b, the right side panel102, top side panel 104 and the left side panel 106 are partiallypivoted about their respective pivot points 200, 202 and 204, and areheld in place at angles that are obtuse to the horizontal plane of thedisplay housing 6. By pivoting the left side and right side panels awayfrom the keyboard 4, the user is given a greater workspace allowing theuser's forearms to rest in a comfortable position while typing on thekeyboard. In this configuration, junctions 300 and 302 do not form, andare instead replaced with gaps 304 and 306. Gaps 304 and 306 thencompromise privacy and shading that is intended to be provided by theprivacy device 100. For this reason, the current invention privacydevice 100 comprises gap bridging means 400 and 402, shown in FIG. 5.

Gap bridging means 400 and 402 are preferably retractable panels. Inthis preferred embodiment, the gap bridging means 402 shown in FIG. 5 bcomprises a retraction housing 410, a retracting panel 412 and a latchmeans 414. By way of example only, the retraction housing 410 isdescribed as being connected to the top side panel 104 and the latchmeans 414 is connected to the left side panel 106. The inversearrangement is just as feasible, e.g., retraction housing 410 attachedto left side panel 106 and latch means 414 is connected to top sidepanel 104. Latch means 414 can be hook and loop, snaps, clasps or othermeans well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In thisembodiment, the retracting panel 412 is pulled out of the retractionhousing 410 and is secured to left side panel 106 using a latch means414. Gap 306 is hereby filled in using the retraction housing 410,retracting panel 412 and latch means 414 as a gap bridging means 402.Gap 304 can be similarly filled with a gap bridging means 400 like thatdescribed for gap bridging means 402.

Gap bridging means 400 and/or 402 are alternatively hinged panels. Inthis embodiment, shown in FIG. 5 c, a bridging panel 500 is attached totop side panel 104 using a hinge 502. The hinge 502 connection allowsthe bridging panel 500 to pivot around the connection axis formedbetween top panel 104 and the bridging panel 500 so that the panel canbe positioned to cover gap 306. When the bridging panel 500 is not inuse, e.g. when the privacy device is not in use or when there is no gapformed between the top and side panels, then the bridging panel 500 isrotated about hinge 502 until the bridging panel is position on top sidepanel 104. To use the bridging panel 500, the panel is rotated abouthinge 502 so that the bridging panel moves from lying substantially flaton top of top side panel 104 to lying across gap 306 and resting on theupper edge of left side panel 106. Gap 306 is hereby filled by bridgingpanel 500, and gap 304 can be similarly filled.

When using a hinged bridging panel 500, as described above, the bridgingpanel 500 can be connected to left side panel 106 using hinge 502, androtated to fill gap 306 accordingly. However, in this configuration, itis preferable that hinge 502 is a friction hinge so that the panel willstay in place when in contact with the left side edge of top side panel104. When top side panel 104 is positioned higher than the hinge 502bridging panel 500 may have a tendency to fall towards the left sidepanel 102, thereby re-opening gap 306. A friction hinge used for hinge502 will keep bridging panel 500 in place. Alternatively, the hinge 502can be a non-friction hinge and the bridging panel 500 and the top sidepanel 104 can have a complementary releasable attachment means such ashook and loop. Such a means will similarly prevent the problem describedabove.

In a still further embodiment, gaps 304 and 306 can be filled using agap bridging means 400 and/or 402 that is an accordion-like structure,which is adjustable to continually bridge gaps 304 and 306 duringpositioning of the top and side panels. As seen in FIG. 5 d, the gapbridging means 400 and 402 both comprise an accordion-like structure600. Focusing on the accordion like structure 600 used as gap bridgingmeans 402, it is seen that the accordion like structure attaches to boththe left edge of top side panel 104 and the top edge of left side panel106. Attachment to these edges can be removable attachment using, forexample, hook and loop, snaps, clasps, and a tongue and groove-likesliding mechanism. Attachment to these edges can also be permanent;however it is preferable that only the edge of one panel is permanentlyattached to the accordion-like structure 600, while the other edgeremains removably attached. The reason for this preference has to dowith the maximum and minimum distances that gaps 304 and 306 can measureduring use. Gaps 304 and 306 can be very large when the top side panel104 and the right and left side panels 102 and 106 are horizontal to theplane of the display housing 6. Such a configuration is obtained whenpanels 102, 104 and 106 are being fully rotated about their respectivepivot points 200, 202 and 204. Although it is preferable that one of thetwo attachments for a single according-like structure 600 (e.g.,attached at the top side panel 104 and the left side panel 106; orattached at the top side panel 104 and the right side panel 102) remainsremovable, for the reasons stated, it is not necessary. Both of theseattachments can be permanent and as such, accordion-like structure 600is capable of spanning gaps 304 and 306 at their largest dimensions.

The dimensions of display housing 6 can vary for different laptops, andin order to meet these various dimensions, the privacy device 100 can becustom designed. Alternatively, the privacy device 100 can beadjustable, thereby universally fitting on laptops having a variety ofdimensions.

In one embodiment, the right side, left side and top panels 102, 106 and104, respectively, are configured to each comprise adjustable extensionsallowing for expanding or collapsing the panels. FIG. 6 a shows across-sectional view of a panel having such a configuration. In FIG. 6a, the exemplary panel 700 comprises first segment 702, second segment704 and third segment 706. First segment 702 has a hollowed interiorchamber 708 in which second segment 704 is housed. Similarly, thirdsegment 706 has a hollowed interior chamber 710 allowing for the housingof second segment 704. For illustration purposes, segment 704 is shownpartially housed within segment 706, but is fully extended outside ofsegment 702. To prevent segments 702 and 704 and segments 706 and 704for becoming disengaged during full extension outside of the housings708 and 710, these segments are provided with a stopping means. In FIG.6 a the stopping means 712 on segment 702 is shown contact the stoppingmeans 714 on segment 704 to prevent segment 704 from completelydisengaging from segment 702. The stopping means 716 of segment 706 and718 of segment 704 are not engaged because segment 704 is not fullyextended outside of housing 710 of segment 706. Each panel comprisingprivacy device 100 can further comprise these adjustment means. FIG. 6 billustrates a privacy panel 100 splayed open so that the panels (left,right and top) and the attachment member are in the same plane. Theprivacy panel has a plurality of extension means 800 (depicted as dottedlines), that allow the privacy panel to extend for use with a variety ofdifferent sized laptop computers. Each of the panels can be adjusted toa preferred size using these extension means 800. For right side panel102 and left side panel 106 the panels are extendable to protect more ofthe keyboard 8 in direction along the lateral plane 10. Top panel 104 isextendable to cover many different sized display housings 6. Extensionof the top side panel 104 requires that the attachment member 108accommodates this movement. As illustrated in FIG. 6 b, the attachmentmember 108 is embodied as a border. In this preferred configuration, theextension means is shown on top panel 104, traversing pivot point 202and continuing the proximate arm of the attachment means 108. When thetop side panel 104 is extended or shortened using extension means 800,the section of attachment means 108 proximate the top side panel 104must extend or shorten as well.

In an alternative embodiment there is provided a privacy device 100 thatadjusts to fit a variety of dimensioned display housings. FIGS. 8 a and8 b. In this embodiment, right side panel 102 is connected to top sidepanel 104, and similarly, left side panel 106 is connected to top sidepanel 102. As seen in FIG. 8 a, only top panel 104 attached toattachment member 108 in this alternative embodiment. Thus, pivot points200 and 204, seen in FIG. 3 a, do not exist because right side panel 102and left side panel 106 are not pivotally connected to the attachmentmember 108. Pivot point 202 remains present in this alternativeembodiment. Right side panel 102 attaches to top side panel 104 at pivotpoint 206. Left side panel 106 attaches to top side panel 104 at pivotpoint 208. Preferably, pivot point 206 and pivot point 208 are frictionhinges.

In this embodiment, the top panel 104 and the right side and left sidepanels 102 and 106, are adjusted to fit a variety of display housings 6using a central slide rod that allows segments of the panels to slidelongitudinally along the rod axis. In FIG. 8 b, the slide rod 1006 isindicated as a dotted line running lengthwise through all of the panels102, 104 and 106. The panels segments are as follows: right side panel102 segments on each adjacent side of right panel segment joint 1004;top side panel 104 segments on each adjacent side of top panel segmentjoint 1002; and left side panel 106 segments on each adjacent side ofleft panel segment joint 1000. In this embodiment, wherein theattachment member 108 is connected to top side panel 104, the top panelsegment joint 1002 also extends into attachment member 108, so that thesize adjustment can occur.

In use, the privacy device 100 is attached to an electronic apparatus 2as described above. The top side panel 104 is adjusted along thelongitudinal axis of rod 1006 by moving the segments top panel 104relative to each other at the segment joint 1002. The top side panel 104is rotated around the pivot point 202, until it is in the user's desiredposition. The left side panels and the right side panel are then rotatedaround their respective pivot points 208 and 206 until they are in thedesired position. The length of these right side and left side panels102 and 106 can be adjusted, if desired, by moving the segments alongthe longitudinal axis of rod 1006 relative to segment joints 1000 and1004.

One of ordinary skill in the art will readily construct the currentinvention privacy display to adjust using means other than thosespecifically described above. Such is with in the spirit of the currentinvention.

In another embodiment of the current invention privacy device 100, theright and left side panels 102 and 106 connect to the attachment member108 at pivot points 200 and 204, respectively, and as described above.Unlike the preferred embodiment described above; however, the hinges 900and 902 are located within the body of these panels 102 and 104. SeeFIG. 7 a. This alternative embodiment allows for increased privacy fromthe side angles while providing additional room on the lateral plane forthe user's hands and forearms while typing on the keyboard. As is shownin FIGS. 7 b and 7 c, the view of display 6 from the left side angle issignificantly reduced in FIG. 7 b having the hinges 900 and 902 withinthe body of side panels 102 and 106, respectively, compared to FIG. 7 chaving the hinges 900 and 902 at the pivot points 200 and 204. In thisabove alternative configuration there is also provided gap bridgingmeans, as described above.

A method for providing privacy to an electronics apparatus comprisingthe steps of: attaching a privacy device to an electronics apparatusthat has a display; adjusting a series of privacy panels to provideprivacy to the display of the electronics apparatus; bridging a gap thatforms between any two of the privacy panels when the privacy panels areadjusted according to a user's preferences, wherein the series ofprivacy panels are adjusted along a lateral plane and a horizontal planeto provide privacy to the display while providing viewability for theuser and wherein placement of the privacy panels changes depending onthe user's environment. In this method, a device is provided thatdelivers both adjustability to meet a user's need and privacy. Theadjustability to meet the user's needs is dependant on the environmentwherein the privacy device is being used and on how the user prefers toadjust the device to provide privacy in that environment. In thepreferred embodiment, the privacy device comprises adjustable panels anda gap bridging means.

In the preferred embodiment, the user attaches the device to anelectronics apparatus by aligning an attachment means on the privacydevice with a complementary attachment means on the electronicapparatus. The attachment means can be one or more of a variety ofattachment means well known in the art, including, but not limited to,hook and loop, snaps, clasps and adhesives. To make the attachment usinghook and loop, the user will align the hook or loop member on theprivacy device with the complementary member on the electronicsapparatus.

Once attached, the user can adjust the series of privacy panels bypivoting the privacy panels along the lateral and the horizontal planeso that the privacy panels are located in a user defined position.Preferably, the series of privacy panels use friction hinges so that thepanels will stay in place, but, other adjustment means are well known tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

Adjustment of the panels forming the series of privacy panels can causegaps to form between adjacent panels. This is a compromise in theprivacy. In order to prevent and address the compromise in privacy, theuser will employ one of many gap bridging means. Preferably, that gapbridging means is accomplished by pulling a retracting curtain from aretraction housing across a gap that forms between two adjacent panelsand latching the retraction housing so that the gap has been bridged.Alternatively, that gap bridging means is accomplished by attaching anaccordion-like structure to the proximate edges of two adjacent panelsso that the gap that forms by adjusting the series of privacy panels isbridged. Further, that gap bridging means can be accomplished byrotating a bridging panel around a hinge so that the bridging panel liesacross the gap that forms by adjusting the series of privacy panels andthereby bridges the gap. One ordinarily skilled in the art will readilyprovide other means for bridging this gap, and these means are wellwithin the spirit of this current invention.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will beapparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the abovedescription. For example, it should be noted that steps recited in anymethod claims below do not necessarily need to be performed in the orderthat they are recited. The scope of the invention should, therefore, bedetermined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullscope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

1. A privacy device for use with an electronic apparatus having adisplay, the privacy device comprising: (a) adjustable privacy panelsfor protecting the display of the electronic apparatus; (b) anattachment member in contact with the privacy panels and attaching tothe electronic apparatus; (c) an attachment means for securing theprivacy device to the electronic apparatus; and (d) a gap bridging meansto prevent compromises in privacy caused when the adjustable privacypanels are adjusted, wherein the privacy device is attached to anelectronic apparatus using the attachment means and the adjustableprivacy panels are positioned according to the user's preference,thereby providing privacy or shading or both to the display of theelectronic apparatus, and wherein the privacy is maintained despiteadjustment of the privacy panels using a gap bridging means.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the adjustable panels comprises a right sidepanel, a top side panel and a left side panel.
 3. The device of claim 2wherein the adjustable panels are pivotally attached to the attachmentmember.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the adjustable panels arepivotally attached to the attachment member using a friction hinge. 5.The device of claim 1 wherein the attachment means is a removableattachment.
 6. The device of claim 5 wherein the removable attachmentmeans comprises hook and loop, snaps, clasps and combinations thereof.7. The device of claim 1 wherein the attachment means is a permanentattachment.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein the gap bridging meanscomprises a retractable panel, an accordion-like panel, a bridging paneland combination thereof.
 9. The device of claim 8 wherein the gapbridging means is a retractable panel further comprising a retractionhousing, a retracting panel and a latch means, wherein the retractionhousing and the latch means are attached to neighboring panels and theretracting curtain is extended between the retraction housing and thelatch means so as to act as a bridging means.
 10. The device of claim 9wherein the latch means comprises hook and loop, snaps, adhesives andclasps.
 11. The device of claim 8 wherein the gap bridging means is anaccordion-like structure further comprising attachment means wherein theattachment means connect the accordion-like structure to the top paneland one of either the right side panel or the left side panel so as toact as a bridging means.
 12. The device of claim 11 wherein theattachment means comprises hook and loop, snaps, adhesives and clasps.13. The device of claim 8 wherein the gap bridging means is a bridgingpanel comprising a hinge and a panel.
 14. The device of claim 13 whereinthe hinge is a friction hinge.
 15. The device of claim 13 wherein thebridging panel further comprises an attachment means.
 16. The device ofclaim 15 wherein the attachment means comprises hook and loop, snaps,clasps and adhesives.
 17. The device of claim 1 wherein the adjustablepanels can be extended and collapsed to fit a variety of different sizedelectronics apparatus.
 18. The device of claim 17 wherein the panelscomprise segments used for extending or collapsing the adjustablepanels.
 19. The device of claim 18 wherein the panels comprise a hollowinterior, a segment panels fitting within the hollow interior, a sliderod, a stopping means and combinations thereof.
 20. A method ofproviding privacy to a display of an electronic device using the privacydevice of claim
 1. 21. A method for providing privacy to an electronicsapparatus comprising the steps of: (a) attaching a privacy device to anelectronics apparatus that has a display; (b) adjusting a series ofprivacy panels to provide privacy to the display of the electronicsapparatus; (c) bridging a gap that forms between any two of the privacypanels when the privacy panels are adjusted according to a user'spreferences wherein the series of privacy panels are adjusted along alateral plane and a horizontal plane to provide privacy to the displaywhile providing viewability for the user and wherein placement of theprivacy panels changes depending on the user's environment.
 22. Themethod of claim 21 wherein the attaching step further comprises aligningan attachment means on the privacy device with a complementaryattachment means on the electronic apparatus.
 23. The method of claim 22wherein the attachment means comprises hook and loop, snaps, claps andadhesives.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein the attachment means ishook and loop.
 25. The method of claim 21 wherein the step of adjustinga series of privacy panels comprises pivoting the privacy panels alongthe lateral and the horizontal plane so that the privacy panels arelocated in a user defined position.
 26. The method of claim 25, whereinthe step of adjusting the series of privacy panels uses friction hinges.27. The method of claim 25 wherein the series of privacy panels areadjusted to a user defined position to provide privacy.
 28. The methodof claim 21 wherein the step of bridging a gap further comprises pullinga retracting curtain from a retraction housing across a gap that formsbetween two adjacent panels and latching the retraction housing so thatthe gap has been bridged.
 29. The method of claim 21 wherein the step ofbridging a gap further comprises attaching an accordion-like structureto the proximate edges of two adjacent panels so that the gap that formsby adjusting the series of privacy panels is bridged.
 30. The method ofclaim 21 wherein the step of bridging a gap further comprises rotating abridging panel around a hinge so that the bridging panel lies across thegap that forms by adjusting the series of privacy panels and therebybridges the gap.